Tennessee Lawmakers Approve Bill Allowing Permitless Carry Of Firearms

Tennessee is one step closer to allowing most residents the choice to carry a firearm without the need of a permit. The state senate voted 23-9 on Thursday (March 18) to approve a bill, backed by Gov. Bill Lee, that would allow most residents to carry a firearm, openly or concealed, without requiring a permit. The bill now heads to the house, and, if approved, will go to Gov. Lee's desk where he is expected to sign it into law.

According to FOX 17, the legislation allows most people over the age of 21 to carry a firearm.

The bill reads, in part: "Any person at least 21 years old or at least 18 years old and is a member of or honorably discharged or retired from the United States Armed Forces or any National Guard or Reserves is exempt from the offense of open or concealed carrying of a firearm with the intent to go armed if legally in possession and not prohibited from carrying a firearm."

Those who are banned include people have have been convicted of stalking or convicted of driving under the influence once in the past 5 years or twice in the past 10 years. People who have been hospitalized or judicially committed in a mental institution are also banned.

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